The threatening emails from David Petraeus’ ex-mistress to a Florida socialite reportedly promised to make the apparent rival “go away” and boasted of her powerful, well-connected friends.

The New York Daily News reports that the messages sent by Paula Broadwell to Jill Kelley were far more sinister than previously reported and were from someone “clearly unhinged,” according to a close friend.

“This wasn’t just a catfight,” the friend told the newspaper. “Any normal person who got emails like that would have immediately called the police.”

Kelley read her the emails when she called, according to the unidentified friend, as she sought advice in the days before the scandal became a staggering public spectacle and led to Petraeus’ resignation as CIA director.

The friend, who declined to be identified, said Kelley saw the emails as death threats, specifically one in which Broadwell vowed to “make you go away.”

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A source close to Broadwell who asked not to be identified disputed that characterization.

"It runs counter to the statements by friends, family members and former colleagues -- the people who know her best -- who have spoken out in the past week and painted a detailed portrait of a dedicated mother, friend wife and patriot," the source told Fox News.

A spokesman for Kelley said she don't know what "friend" is quoted by the New York Daily News and countered that the emails weren't as menacing as the story suggests.

"She felt worried enough to have a conversation about it ... but it's not as menacing as what was quoted. But she was upset," Kelley spokeswoman Judy Smith said.